Any opinions? Considering selling my flats boat for one. Need something a little larger and roomier for the wife and kids. The one I am looking at is an early 2000s model. As much as I hate to get rid of the flats boat, it’s only a 15 footer and has no seats and cushions which is fine for me but not for them. Any help is appreciated.
That was the first boat I ever had. Great all around little boat, handles chop “ok”, small little bait well. Mine had a 75 merc on it top speed of 32 mph cruised at slower than a snail but it was a good boat. They are on the list of boats I recommend to people who are starting out with boats. Large enough to fish 3 adults and fine for kids and the wife.The wiring in that time frame was birds nest under helm, but with a boat of that age you may have to rewire at some point anyways. IMO not a bad little boat.
Sabalo 21 150 Yamaha
Key West Stealth 150 V-max (SOLD)
I have an 03 model 1720 Sportsman with a 90HP Johnson. It’s really a great little boat. It will draft very shallow, it handles rough water surprising well for a smaller boat. It handles really well on the water and it trailers very well behind the truck. There are times when I wish I had more room, but all in all…I really like and enjoy it.
2003 Key West 1720 Sportsman
2016 Ocean Kayak BG2
I have a Bay Reef 196.I don’t get to use. Has a 140 Johnson and rigged out,radios,trim tabs,trolling motor, top and cover. very low hours due to health and age.
A spoiled rotten BOYKIN SPANIEL lives with me
excellent boat for this area.
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.bombislandboats.com
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING
I purchased one new, and it was worth every penny I overpaid. I sold it to go bigger. I miss it all the time.
It’s a perfect hull for anything inshore, but it starts feeling small as soon as you roll out the end of the jetties.
*** World Cat 266 SC ***
I had one with a 115 suzuki on it and it was one of my favorite boats. Most come rigged with 90s on them. If you get one with anything bigger it wont self bail through the scuppers. Awesome all around boat.
Capt. R. Killin
Sea Hooked Charters
Had one with a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke years ago. That thing would fly and go forever one a tank of fuel. Great boat for around here but gets a little cramped with a few people (especially a wife and kid beach stuff…) on board. Easy to clean and take care of especially with a four stroke. They used to have the boat show special - stripped boat, 90 two stroke, aluminum trailer and safety gear for 9500.00 or so.
-Regulator 28fs
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
“Everybody dances when shotgun sings” Stewart and Winfield
I have a 2004 Key West 1720 with 2004 Yamaha 2 stroke 90. I also have a 55lb 12 volt Minn Kota Copilot trolling motor that moves it around just fine. Boat has been great for both fishing and family - wife and 2 kids. Someone mentioned the livewell being small, but I’d have to disagree. I feel its plenty big and any bigger would be too much for that size boat. If I had to give a drawback it would be the amount of water that comes in through scuppers when you are anchored and have a full livewell. They are the ping-pong ball scuppers, so if this bothers you, you could plug them from inside, but I’d just make sure you remember to pull them when you are running. I’ve never tried this, as it doesnt really bother me, but I read else where that people had. Overall been a great family and fishing boat. Losing the flats boat sucks but it does only draft 10" so it will get pretty skinny. Runs about 35 with full load and full tank. Decent on fuel.
Key West 1720 Sportsman